Derbyshire pub fined for breaking lockdown rules after punters caught hiding in kitchen

The Moon Inn at Stoney Middleton, in the Peak District, was found to be operating illegally when it was raided by police.

Five members of the public were each issued with £200 fines at the scene, and the pub’s licence holder subsequently received a £1,000 fixed penalty notice from Derbyshire Dales District Council, which has now been paid.

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Councillor Chris Furness, chairman of the council’s Community & Environment Committee, said: “This is so disappointing. Up to this point the behaviour of local businesses during the Covid restrictions had been exemplary. Indeed this is the first time we as a council have had to take this kind of action during the pandemic.

"Our licensing and environmental health teams have been linking up with police partners to monitor Covid compliance - and this important work will continue.

"We will always provide best practice advice to businesses across the Dales, as well as making Covid spot checks to ensure everyone stays as safe as possible."

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Sergeant Mat Winterbottom, of the North Division Licensing Team, said: “Gatherings such as this put not only the individuals involved at risk but could also affect their friends, family and the wider community.”

He added that officers remained grateful to the vast majority of people across the county who ‘continue to do the right thing’ by staying home.

Anyone concerned about potential breaches by businesses in the Derbyshire Dales can email [email protected].